Advice
Protecting Wardrobes and Carpets From Moths
Clothes moth caterpillars feed on wool, fur and other natural fibres, so regular checks, clean storage and tidy habits go a long way to protecting your belongings.
Read the guide →We work out what kind of moth you have, find the nest of damage and treat it. We are happy to look at a single wardrobe or an entire property.
Family homes, holiday flats and where moths settle
Paignton has a long seafront with plenty of holiday accommodation, and family homes spreading inland. The two have different moth stories. In homes it is usually a wardrobe, a rug or a sofa. In holiday accommodation it is often a quiet room, with soft furnishings left alone for weeks at a time.
Food cupboards matter as well. Pantry moths arrive in a packet of flour, rice, cereal or other dry mixes bought at a shop, and the larvae spread into other packets and cracks. A tidy kitchen is no protection against that, but checking packets does help.
The visit and the follow-up
In Paignton we begin by looking at the damage and any live larvae or webbing, then check the usual hiding places: wardrobes, drawers, carpet edges, behind radiators, under furniture and loft insulation. Knowing the species decides the plan.
After a targeted treatment, we talk you through the practical bits that make it stick: washing what can be washed hot, freezing small items, vacuuming and emptying the vacuum outside, and storing woollens in sealed bags. Traps give an easy way to monitor, and we are happy to advise if activity continues.
TQ3 and TQ4 and neighbouring Torbay
We cover Paignton across TQ3 and TQ4, including homes, flats, guest accommodation and shops. We also cover Brixham and Cockington. If you have found moth damage and are not sure whether it is moths, carpet beetle or just wear, tell us what you can see and we will help you narrow it down.
Frequently asked questions
How long can clothes moth larvae live in a wardrobe?
Larvae can keep feeding for many weeks, and longer in cool, quiet conditions, so damage can keep growing out of sight. That is why finding the source quickly matters more than killing the odd adult you see flying.
Do pheromone traps get rid of moths?
No, they mainly catch adult males and help you monitor. They show you whether moths are present and where. They are a useful part of the job, but treating the larvae and removing the infested items is what solves the problem.
I found moths in my Paignton kitchen. Is the food safe?
Throw away any packet with webbing, larvae or clumped contents. Unopened sealed food is usually fine, but check it. We inspect the cupboards, show you what to bin, and treat where larvae have crawled to pupate, often in corners and shelf edges.